Chapter 138: Boys

Boys “Volodya’s come!” someone shouted in the yard. “Master Volodya’s here!” bawled Natalya the cook, running into the dining room. “Oh, my goodness!” The whole Korolyov family, who had been expecting their Volodya from hour to hour, rushed to the windows. At the front door stood a wide sledge, with three white horses in a cloud of steam. The sledge was empty, for Volodya was already in the hall, untying his hood with red and chilly fingers. His school overcoat, his cap, his snowboots, …